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SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

VERSES IN CONNECTION WITH A 
MINISTRY OF FIFTY YEARS 



BY 



REV. A. JUDSON RICH 



Take care of my flmvers, hnt do not forget my tveeds 

FROEBEL 




BELMONT, MASSACHUSETTS 

THE SHERMAN-CATE PRESS 
19 16 






COPYRIGHT, 1916, BY 
THE SHERMAN-CATE PRESS 

All rights reserved 




JUL 22 1916 






To H. L. R. 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Editor's Note xi 

A. J. R xiii 

CHRISTMAS AND EASTER 

The Christ-Child 3 

The Christmas Spirit 6 

Song of the Nativity 8 

The Christmas Legend 10 

The Easter Hope 12 

Easter Aspirations 14 

POEMS OF PLACES 

The Lion of Lucerne 19 

The Silverhorn . . . . , 22 

A Colorado Sunset 24 

Through Cloud to Light 26 

The Organ Music of Lucerne 28 

Venice 32 

Mount Crotchet 35 

HYMNS 

Installation Hymn 41 

"Labor Omnia Vincit" 42 

Brookfield Hymn 44 

Anniversary Hymn 46 

Library Dedication Hymn 48 



CONTENTS 



Hymn 50 

Hymn 52 

Memorial Hymn 54 

FRIENDS 

Edward Everett Hale 59 

A Noble Ministry 61 

From the Heights G4 

The Pure in Heart 68 

Theodore Dwight Weld 70 

Elizabeth 71 

"Think Well OF Me" 73 

Lily 78 

A Child's Consecration ..." 79 

Rev. Charles Whittier 81 

ON VARIED THEMES 

The Broader Faith ,87 

James Martineau 89 

A Shore Reverie 90 

Oliver Wendell Holmes 91 

A Waif on the Wave 93 

Death made Beautiful 96 

On receiving Lilies of the Valley ... 98 

The Unselfish Robin 99 

My Eightieth Birthday 102 



EDITOR^S NOTE 

For years it had been my father's intention 
to have the best of his poems published. In 
fact, during the last twelve months of his life 
this was his one absorbing interest. From 
time to time he spoke of certain poems that 
he wished to include in the printed volume, 
but had not decided on any definite number 
or on the arrangement. However, we found 
among his papers a possible title-page, which 
has been reproduced exactly as he sketched it. 

We wish that we might have printed all of 
the more personal poems, for these my father 
wrote as easily and spontaneously as most 
people write letters, but it seemed hardly fair 
to his ability and versatility to include more 
of these and leave out choicer poems of a less 
personal character, like his ''Lion of Lucerne, '* 
which Longfellow selected for a collection of 
poems about famous places. 

Other poems were too long or of too inti- 
mate a nature to appear in this collection. 



EDITOR'S NOTE 



The poem ''Death made Beautiful" might 
fittingly refer to himself, but the following 
lines written, then partially erased, indicate 
that they were intended for some friend: 

" Death touched her, and she sweetly smiled 
And lay transfigured, God's ov/n child." 

"My Eightieth Birthday'' is, without doubt, 
the last poem he wrote. 

A. E. R. c. 



The publishers take pleasure in thanking 
Mr. Robert Seaver, of Waverley, Massachu- 
setts, for the friendly interest that he has 
shown in the making of this little book. 



A. J. R. 

*'One of God's gentlemen has passed on.'' 
Thus wrote a young friend when he heard of 
my father's death. Many will echo these 
words. His cheerful smile, his love of every 
living thing, his tenderness, his manly cour- 
age, his courtly bearing, surely marked him 
as one of God's gentlemen. 

Like many others who bear the impress of 
nobility, his origin was humble. He was born 
in a log house on a hundred-acre farm in 
Cooper, Maine. There was plenty of work 
for the boys, and my father did a man's share 
with the rest, yet whatever hardships he en- 
dured never embittered him. In fact, he used 
to refer to his boyhood deprivations almost 
gleefully, and the recital of them, as we chil- 
dren sat about him, is one of the treasured 
remembrances of my life. 

Events connected with his early years 
seemed to stand out in his memory with re- 



xiv A. J. R. 

markable vividness, even to minute happen- 
ings in his family, the kind of food he ate, and 
the color of the clothes he wore. He thus 
pictures himself, a youth of seventeen apply- 
ing for a school: "A happier and a greener 
boy would have been hard to find. My home- 
spun trousers and jacket, my thick shoes and 
thicker hair and awkward carriage, made me 
a ludicrous sight for a teacher of even a coun- 
try school.'' Evidently dissatisfied v/ith his 
appearance, he afterward donned a blue 
broadcloth ''surtouf which had come into 
the family from an uncle. This had a high 
velvet collar, brass buttons, and tails reaching 
nearly to the ground. Thus arrayed, he went 
forth for conquest. So it was that in some 
way or other he always managed to surmount 
obstacles. 

Throughout his life, whether driving cattle 
thirty miles to be sold in order to help pay the 
mortgage on the farm or earning his own way 
through college, whether paying off church 
debts, building a library, or trying to make 
potatoes grow where only rocks had grown 



A. J. R. XV 

before, he showed the same spirit, will, and 
cheerful persistence. These qualities were 
his making, and also, alas! his undoing; for, 
when the years had lessened his powers of 
endurance, his spirit was so strong and the 
accumulated energy of his life so insistent 
that he overestimated his strength, and his 
body refused to obey the call of his spirit. 

Nowhere was his courage more clearly 
shown than in his efforts to obtain an educa- 
tion. Difficulties that would have daunted 
a less courageous mind crowded upon him; but 
Caesar and Cicero succumbed to this young 
country lad, who left home with his few be- 
longings tied up in a large spotted red muffler, 
and with his heart set upon high things. 

He had been away from home but a few 
years when he began to have questionings 
and doubts as to the doctrines of the church 
of his early associations. This was only the 
beginning of serious and often heart-rending 
religious experiences that would fill a volume. 
By study, reading, and contemplation he 
grew from one phase of religious belief to an- 



xvi A. J. R. 

other, getting nearer and nearer to what met 
his spiritual and intellectual needs, finally set- 
tling down, convinced and happy, in the Uni- 
tarian fellowship. 

It was characteristic of his youthfulness of 
heart that he felt great interest in the young 
ministers of the denomination, watching their 
progress and looking forward each year to 
seeing them at the May meetings and at the 
Isles of Shoals reunion. He did not seem to 
see them across the years, but was one with 
them, thought their thoughts and believed in 
their visions. He never felt old, nor did he 
seem so to others. 

Among the vivid remembrances of my child- 
hood are the walks I took with him through 
the little Brookfield village. It was a smile 
here, a nod there, with that sweep of the hand 
in courtly gesture which sent his gracious 
spirit pulsing along the way to another's life. 
I once asked, as he thus saluted some one, 
''Who was that?'' *'I do not know, my child, " 
he smilingly answered. So I grew up with 
the feeling that to him every human being 



A. J. R. xvii 

was a friend, even if in the conventional way 
their paths had not crossed. 

One of his delights was raising flowers and 
vegetables. He liked every step in the proc- 
ess,— preparing the soil, planting seeds, even 
weeding. Then came the final joy of gather- 
ing the precious fruit of his labor and carry- 
ing it to his friends. He would pick a little 
bunch of morning-glories, and, with the dew 
still on them, leave them for some neighbor's 
breakfast table, knowing that they were but 
for the moment, yet loving their very transi- 
toriness. 

Doing little kindly acts, saying the cheering 
word, helping the troubled heart, — these were 
his passion to the end. In the words of his 
elder daughter, written for his seventy-fifth 
birthday, — 

" Gracious and kindly, loyal and true; 

Envying no one; good works to do; 
Onward in knowledge, upward in right; 

Reaching up ever, gaining in might; 
Greatness not always,— honor stands test; 

True hearts feel ever goodness is best. " 

During the half-century of his ministry he 



xviii A. J. R. 

impressed these sterling qualities of mind and 
heart upon the people of his parish and upon 
the community outside his own church. To 
them and to little children and young people 
everywhere he endeared himself in countless 
ways. Possessed of a winning personality, he 
touched the heart while bearing fearlessly 
his message of duty and high ideals. Besides 
glorying in the faith which he preached, he 
loved his pastoral duties, which were limited 
by no denominational lines. Some one has said 
that he was, in the best sense of the word, a 
minister-at-large. 

We might say of him as Stevenson said of 
another, — * * He was, indeed, a good influence 
in life while he was still among us; he had a 
fresh laugh; it did you good to see him; and, 
however sad he may have been at heart, he 
always bore a bold and cheerful countenance 
and took fortune's worst as it were the show- 
ers of spring.'' 

I like to think of the picture painted of him 
by one of his friends among the younger min- 
isters: "Riding through Dighton one summer 



A. J. R. xix 

day, when the morning light was just begin- 
ning to stream over the dewy fields, I saw 
Mr. Rich, then nearing the allotted age of 
man, striding through the summer fields, 
toward the sunrise, swinging the scythe. It 
was a moment typical of his life. He faced 
the sunrise always, rejoicing in the morning 
of God and in the work of God's morning.'* 

So shall we always think of him, — facing 
the sunrise. 

Alice Elizabeth Rich Gate. 



CHRISTMAS AND EASTER 



THE CHRIST-CHILD 

A BABE was born in Nazareth Town 

Two thousand years ago, 
Above whose head a star looked down, 

To light his manger low. 
'Tis said the hovering angels sung 

Anthems of ''Peace on earth, ^' 
Whose bells of joy in gladness rung 

To celebrate His birth. 

That shepherds with their flocks at night. 

On fair Judea's plain, 
Were startled at the wondrous light. 

And music's sweet refrain. 
.'Twas in the mother's breast the star, 

In light and beauty shone. 
And not the sky-dome orb afar. 

Or music's distant tone, 
By angel's voices chanting clear. 

The song was in her soul, 
God and the angels both were near— 

Her heart their sacred goal. 



SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

Thus is this mystery understood— 

God's blessing from above, 
The sacred boon of motherhood, 

And crown of heavenly love. 
Each new life is a dear Christ-child, 

A savior meant to be, 
To win the world by love beguiled. 

From sin to set it free! 

When shall the angel's cry of * 'Peace 

Good will to men," prevail? 
When shall the din of discord cease. 

Or Christ's dear prayer avail, 
That all shall yet in love, be one— 

All hearts, all nations, too, 
God's reign among men be begun 

Man's fading hope renew! 

Hasten this longed for, lingering dawn. 
The wide earth's crying need, 

When sin's sad darkness shall be gone— 
The soul's deep hunger feed! 

May all our wills to Thy will yield, 
Each day our hearts new born. 



CHRISTMAS AND EASTER 

Love's looked-for triumph be revealed, 
Christ's joy our Hves adorn! 



SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT 

At Christmas-tide, be thou tender, true; 

Thy friends make glad, and all thy foes for- 
give; 
With its sweet light begin to live anew, 

Ungrudging give, and giving, much receive. 

Make thy glad life grow large, thy soul expand ; 

Let there be one full day within the year. 
When love shall open wide thy waiting hand, 

To lessen want and dry some bitter tear. 

Angels may sing, but sorrow hath its reign, 
And vice and wrong and wretchedness are 
rife; 

The earth is filled with sin and woe and pain 
While shadows fall betimes on every life. 

Souls are there many, heavy-laden, sore, 
Sad eyes that weep, and hearts that often 
bleed, 

Wan squalor knocking, tattered, at thy door. 
And cold and hunger crying in their need. 



CHRISTMAS AND EASTER 7 

Give wisely, freely; of thy bounty give, 
And most of all, do not forget, give love; 

Since giving is the truest way to live. 
And richest treasure laying up above. 

Make glad thy home, let sunshine reign within. 
Bless every hearthstone with thy largess 
fair; 

Share with pale want thine overflowing bin. 
By kindness save some brother from despair. 

Be a good Christian, do thou good and well, 
Smile and be noble, do not harshly judge; 

With "Peace, Good Will," let Hfe's glad an- 
them swell, 
Nor any soul its happy hours grudge. 

Be saviors, my brothers, every one; 

Let the true Christ in thine own soul be born; 
Thus, thou canst be God's well-beloved son, 

And make each dawn a joyous Christmas 
morn! 



SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



SONG OF THE NATIVITY 

This is our merry Christmas time, 
Sweet story of the centuries old ; 
We hear in thought the chant sublime; 
We list the tale the shepherds told— 
Sweet music of the angel choir, 
Led by the star's celestial fire. 

Repeat thy legend-lesson fair 

With many sacred memories crowned ; 
Let heavenly voices fill the air 
With Peace, Good Will the earth around; 
Make each and all in spirit mild, 
As was the blessed Bethlehem child. 

Let evil passions be subdued; 

Let every virtue wakened be, 
Our inmost nature be renewed, 
From chains of evil be set free, — 
Child-likeness is true manhood's crown, 
And sweetest grace the angels own. 



CHRISTMAS AND EASTER 

star of Gladness, star of Hope! 

Shine on our world of discontent; 
Let man no more in darkness grope, 
But walk in light its steep ascent, — 
Kneel at the Christ-child's lowly bed, 
The soul in tender love be fed. 

Him Friend and Brother we may call, — 

Divinity His rank and ours; 
His peace upon our pathway fall 
In simple and refreshing showers, — 
Melt, all ye frosts of hate and wrong. 
Through echoes of the Bethlehem song. 

May Christmas joy rule through the year, 

All evil banish from the heart; 
Make haste to dry affection's tear, 
And consolation's power impart, — 
Be Jesus-like in lowly mind, 
One Brotherhood in all Mankind! 



10 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



THE CHRISTMAS LEGEND 

I HAVE read the ancient story 
Of the star of Bethlehem bright, 

Seen by shepherds in its glory 
On that wondrous, far-off night. 

High above the lowly manger 
Hung the star to light the way 

Where the baby, safe from danger, 
In the arms of Mary lay. 

It may be a story only, 
Yet it tells of love divine, 

Ancient as the ages lonely. 
Tender as the stars that shine. 

In our homes each baby-treasure 
Comes to us a Christ-child pure, 

Teaching us love's fullest measure, 
Love to bless and to endure. 



CHRISTMAS AND EASTER 11 

Heavenly voices still are singing, 
'Teace on earth, good will to men," 
In the mother's bosom bringing 
Joyous anthems now as then; 

And the angels shall forever 

Come to them in Palestine, 
Calling us to high endeavor, 

Pointing us to stars divine. 

Welcome, Christmas, v/ith thy gladness, 
Fill our hearts and homes with joy; 

Banish every thought of sadness, 
Free us from the world's alloy. 

May we childlike be, and tender. 
All in grace and wisdom grow, 

Service to each other render, 
Christ's dear love to all men show. 



12 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



THE EASTER HOPE 

Welcome, tender Easter morn! 
Finding the earth — my soul — new-born. 
I thank Thee, Thou Life divine, 
That Thou art mine, and I am Thine. 

The pulsing life of blade and limb 
Is but the thrilling throb of Him 
Who lives and moves in bloom and star. 
And glows in all things near and far. 

Thus touched and soothed, my trembling 

breast 
Shall in His life find perfect rest; 
Joys come and go, but Hope lives on. 
And His sweet care I lean upon. 

blessed Easter Hope, be mine 
And in my soul with beauty shine; 
ril follow thee, an angel fair. 
And trust and smile, and drop my care. 



CHRISTMAS AND EASTER 13 

Thou sayest death is but sunrise, — 
Of morning's sun in fairer skies; 
Hence, though my way be dark or bright. 
It leads to heaven's unfading light! 



14 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



EASTER ASPIRATIONS 

Beauty and fragrance rich are filling 

The air,— the soul with joy and light; 
All nature, with new heart-beats thrilling. 

Bids all things rise to loftier flight! 
The world is speeding toward the better; 

The truer in the heart holds sway; 
Freedom is breaking every fetter, 

And life grov/s nobler every day. 

The real truth in resurrection 

Is not dead matter nev/ly born, 
But life arising toward perfection, 

A little truer each new morn, — 
Nev/ Hope, new Peace, new Love upspring- 
ing, 

New consecration in each life, 
And Heaven to waiting mortals bringing 

The end of evil, va-ong, and strife! 

Welcom.e to Easter's deeper meaning 
Ascending toward these inner skies, 



CHRISTMAS AND EASTER 15 

Harvests of richer treasures gleaning, — 
Fair bounty of the soul's emprise: 

And thus, while Nature is expressing 
Abundant life through every pore. 

May we gain wings from Easter's blessing, 
And rise to life forevermore! 



POEMS OF PLACES 



THE LION OF LUCERNE 

O'er foaming Reuss, with waters green, 
There stood a bridge with friendly light, 
Fair beacon for the treacherous night, 
By traveller and boatman seen; 
Lucernia was its name, 
Born of its lambent flame. 
True symbol of celestial sheen. 

Here fair Helvetia's city rose, 
Begirt with Roman wall and moat; 
In ancient days here Cassar smote, 
With arm of strength, all haughty foes; 
And Roman valor still 
Inspires the common will, 
And nerves the arm for valiant blows. 

The moat and wall of ancient day 
In ruin lie; no signal light. 
As erst, illumes the darkling night; 
No feud invites the midnight fray; 
But mountain shadows fall, 
The wealth and joy of all, — 
All nature smiles in sweet array. 



THE LION OF LUCERNE 

O'er foaming Reuss, with waters green, 
There stood a bridge with friendly light, 
Fair beacon for the treach'rous night. 
By traveller and boatman seen ; 
Lucernia was its name, 
Born of its lambent flame, 
True symbol of celestial sheen. 

Here fair Helvetia's city rose. 
Begirt with Roman wall and moat; 
In ancient days here Caesar smote, 
With arm of strength, all haughty foes; 
And Roman valor still 
Inspires the common will, 
And nerves the arm for valiant blows. 

The moat and wall of ancient day 
In ruin lie; no signal Kght, 
As erst, illumes the darkling night; 
No feud invites the midnight fray; 
But mountain shadows fall. 
The wealth and joy of all, — 
All nature smiles in sweet array. 



20 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

And palaces in splendor rise, 
And rich cathedral, quaint and old. 
Whose organ-music doth enfold 
The heart, as message from the skies; 
A thing of beauty we discern 
In Lion of Lucerne, 
A joy forever to all eyes. 

Wrought from the solid native rock, 
Danish Thorwaldsen's masterpiece, 
Couchant, transfixed, without surcease 
Of pain, struggles against the shock; 
And, while for breath he gasps, 
Lily of France he grasps 
With ardent pressure ere he dies. 

Life pours from out the ghastly wound. 
His swollen eyes weep drops of blood. 
Fit emblem of the crimson flood 
That filled the Tuileries when the ground 
Lay thick with noble dead, 
To cruel slaughter led. 
Touching with grief the wide world round. 



POEMS OF PLACES 21 

The ivy wraps this monument; 
The Alpine shadows come and go, 
As whispers from the far-off snow; 
With wildflowers as its cerement, 

Winds down the shepherd's vibrant 

horn, 
And peasant songs at early morn. 
In sweet and tender cadence blent. 

brave Swiss Guard, the choicest life! 
Of fairest clime, the chosen band 
To keep the gates of proudest land, 
To quell the rage of civil strife, — 
Thy cenotaph of stone 
In grandeur stands alone, 
With every grace and beauty rife! 

Farewell, work of highest art, 
symbol of the grandest power, 
Resting beneath protecting bower; 
Our tender blessing ere we part, — 
Artist and soldier, too, 
A sweet and long adieu. 
Thou hast, fair Switzerland, my heart! 



22 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



THE SILVERHORN 

Fair Silverhorn, we love to gaze 
Upon thy pure and peaceful face, 

Peering majestic into space, 
Glowing with light, and full of days! 

Around thee Eiger, Jungfrau, stand, 
Brave Moench and Wetterhorn are near. 

And other Alpine heights appear. 
The pride and glory of the land! 

Enough thy grandeur none can laud ; 

No sculpture can with thee compare; 
No painting can thy vision share, — 

Thy Maker is our Father, God. 

Thy silence is the grandest speech; 

Thy ministry is one of love 
To lift our souls from earth above, — 

Eternal love and truth to teach. 



POEMS OF PLACES 23 

Almost devoutly we adore, 
Nor can we turn from thee aside, 

But in thy shadow would abide. 
And for thee love thy Maker more. 

And Thou who dost the mountains weigh. 
Whose love and goodness cover all. 

From human need to sparrow's fall, 
Our love, ourselves, accept, we pray. 



24 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



A COLORADO SUNSET 

The sky with floating clouds hung low, 
Was flushed with gold of ambient glow ; 
The wide horizon caught the rays 
Of sunshine, to my soul's amaze; 
Wider and brighter spread the fire. 
Kindling with joy the heart's desire, 
The while I stood on Denver's height 
To catch the matchless glow that night. 

Such golden wealth as ne'er I'd seen 
Entranced me with its tender sheen; 
The shifting clouds revealed blue sky, 
And thoughts arose that God was nigh; 
Slowly the shadows hovered round, 
And where I stood was holy ground. 
An angel whispered to me then, — 
''This ample glory lives again 
To other eyes in welcome dawn, 
As on your eyes it lately shone." 



POEMSOFP LACES 25 

Ah, well, I thought, this is no dream, — 
Most things that trouble only seem; 
Shadows but prove the sun shines on 
Something the heart to rest upon ; 

The years that mark our good or ill. 
But final good to all, God's will! 
We'll turn our faces to the light, — 
Fair sunrise follows every night; 
Adieu, rare sunset, beams of gold, — 
Move downward till thy rays unfold! 



26 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



THROUGH CLOUD TO LIGHT 

When Rigi mount I climbed one day, 
A wondrous vision blessed my way. 
Though heavy clouds around me hung, 
And shadows o'er the mountain flung; 
Though rocks and crags in silence proud 
Were wrapped within a crystal shroud, — 
I knew, when I had looked around. 
That all the heights were holy ground. 
Through mists and cloud I upward gazed, 
Cerulean sky I saw, amazed; 
I stood in awe before God's throne; 
His mirrored face in brightness shone. 
With soul entranced I turned away; 
A glimpse of heaven I saw that day. 
I stood upon the snowy peak, 
So filled with God I could not speak! 
I waited for the afterglow— 
Its fading, rosy tints— to throw 
Its halo o'er the lifted hills, 
Whose glory through man's spirit thrills. 



POEMSOFP LACES 27 

The sun had sunk to rest, I thought, 
When, lo! a miracle was wrought: 
A cloud was lifted from his face, 
His golden beams my eye could trace. 
Such splendors lit the evening sky, 
Its beauty brought the dear God nigh. 
As from a dream my soul awoke; 
It seemed as if an angel spoke. 
' 'A vision this of life, ' ' he said : 
"The storm may beat upon your head 
As up life's paths you slowly creep, 
And, weary, mount the rugged steep. 
Yet, far above, God's light shall break. 
Your sunset hours new glory take. 
The way is brief through cloud obscure, — 
Sunbeams, and not the mists, endure; 
And when the doubt, the pain, the tears, 
As you mount upward through the years, 
Are left behind with shades of night, 
Then welcome heaven's eternal light!" 



28 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



THE ORGAN-MUSIC OF LUCERNE 

Within the grand old city of Lucerne 
A great cathedral, rich and quaint, there 
stands, 

Of many saints a most imposing urn, 
The loved resort of pilgrims from all lands. 

'Twas on a quiet evening hour I strolled 
Within its sacred walls to hear the peal 

Of organ, whose sweet music might unfold 
The souFs closed portals, and the heart 
unseal. 

The gilded monuments and carvings rare. 
The work of early art which I beheld, 

Could not with holier, better thoughts com- 
pare, 
As music through the lofty arches swelled. 

The dear old ballads of the home and heart, 

Of native land and childhood's sweeter hour, 
Came drifting from the organ-loft to start 



POEMSOFP LACES 29 

The vagrant tear with strangely stirring 
power. 

Then came the great composer's Wedding 
March, 
Murmuring, ripphng, blending with won- 
drous skill. 
The full band sweeping through the vaulted 
arch. 
The whole soul subject to the artist's will. 

Then Hsten to the Alpine thunder-storm 
That breaks upon the mxountains from afar; 

The tempest signs are gathering in dark form, 
The storm-king riding forward in his car! 

The stirring wind, the muttering thunder 
came. 
The trickling raindrops and the rushing 
stream, 
Till peal and crash, increasing, shook the 
frame. 
Till mount and glen with lightning flashes 
gleam ; 



30 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

A moment's silence— then in solemn crash 
Broke mighty thunder-claps with boom on 
boom; 
The swollen, white-plumed streams their rock 
beds lash, 
The heart's response is mingled joy and 
gloom. 

The storm now wanes; less frequent comes 
the sound 
Of thunder-peal, reverberating through 
The mountain peaks; less roar the winds 
around ; 
Fainter, fainter the trembling storm-song 
grew. 

While in the blessed stillness there arose 
A chant among the mountains, sweet and 
clear 

As pious nuns sing at the daylight's close, — 
A heavenly song, bringing angels anear. 

From gentle strain increased the song in 
power, 



POEMS OF PLACES 31 

Until, full chorused, broke the anthem 
strong; 
It filled each heart with rapture for the hour, 
Then slowly died away in echoes long. 

It trembled into silence; yet a while 
Spellbound and stirred with admiration 
true, 
Prayerful, we gazed through choir and arch 
and aisle. 
Then bade the sacred place a last adieu! 

organ-voice! master-art! hand 
Almost divine, whose touch the soul in- 
spires 

With grandest visions of the heavenly land, 
Where music is the speech of angel-choirs! 

Thine is the seer's mission, thine the art 
This life to sanctify and fill with love; 

Thou canst the message of all life impart, 
And link the joy of earth to heaven above! 



32 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



VENICE 

Venice, city of the sea, 
The choicest gem of Italy, 

Fairest of fair! 
Palace and church with marble white 
Are mirrored in thy waters bright, 

With beauty rare. 

With gondola we thread each street, 
Where beauty glows in all we meet, 

And fills the heart; 
Sublime St. Mark's of Eastern mold, 
Gorgeous with marbles, gems, and gold, 

Byzantine art! 

Nations have tribute paid to thee. 
In treasures borne from o'er the sea, 

Through ages past; 
From crumbling with reverent tread. 
We gaze on beauty overhead 

And spaces vast! 



POEMS OF PLACES 33 

Thou, too, rich Ducal Palace near. 
Whose wealth and glory still appear 

Without, within; 
Thy Lion's Mouth, thy Bridge of Sighs, 
Thy paths to cells where horror lies, 

Speak loud of sin. 

Thy Campanile's loyal call 
And winged Lion guardeth all 

From tyrant's power. 
Thy sacred pigeons, seeking bread, 
Are by free bounty daily fed 

At one glad hour. 

Each year in Adriac's waters blue 
Thou dost thy marriage vow renew 

With solemn rite. 
witching bride, thou doest well 
Thy sweet affection thus to tell, 

All pure and white. 

Thine artists well have earned the name 
Of masters of the wide world's fame. 
Whose works we prize; 



34 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

And, as of old, they charm us still. 
With solemn awe our bosoms thrill, — 
Born of the skies. 

Thy former greatness we have known. 
With seeds of sorrow thickly strown. 

Too soon to wane; 
Thy pride and glory seem 
As nothing but a bygone dream, — 

No more to reign. 

With tears, farewell! — we love thee yet; 
Thy sorrows we would now forget, — 

For thee we sigh. 
Adieu, ye brilliant nights of song. 
Ye happy hearts, and ancient wrong, — 

Venice, good-bye! 



POEMS OF PLACES 35 



MOUNT CROTCHET 

To J, J. Enneking, Artist. 

Crotchet Mountain, weird and wild; 
Bold, barren headland, — Nature's child. 
Thy height commands horizons wide, 
And bringeth near the ocean-tide, 
Whose cliffs the early sun doth kiss. 
Object of worship and of bliss! 

Thine emerald crest the mists of morn 
O'erhang till sunshine doth adorn 
With tender beauty its broad sheen, 
And touch with light the valleys green ; 
This craggy hill, this headland strong, 
Bold sentinel for ages long. 

Thou standest urging feet to climb. 
And thought to measure life and time, 
And soul to find in rock and clod 
The glimpse of other worlds and God. 
A holy gospel thou dost teach, 
Of finer thought and ampler reach, — 



36 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

That life should broaden, mind should soar 

And gather truth the wide world o'er, 

A little nearer heaven to be, 

With aspiration winging free; 

That we should mount to Pisgah's height 

And view the Promised Land in sight. 

But underneath our weary feet, 

The rough steps climbed, the years so fleet, 

With face uplifted to the skies, — 

A steady light to flood our eyes; 

Yet grander visions would we know, 

And feel the Spirit's brighter glow. 

Yet richer gaze should be within. 
The finer truth of life to win; 
God made our souls His temple fair, 
Since we His life and nature share. 

mount, what shall my farewell be? 
Still will I love and cherish thee; 
When centuries have passed away. 
Dear Crotchet, thou wilt proudly stay! 



POEMSOFP LACES 37 

No earthquake shock shall wreck thy base, 
Nor ages mar thy rugged face. 
The mists will fall, the winds will blow. 
And other eyes thy splendor know. 
Thy beauty oft the brush has caught 
On canvas where true genius wrought, 
Until in distant homes they see 
The noble form so dear to me. 



HYMNS 



INSTALLATION HYMN 

(A. J. R.) 
Fall River, Mass., 1883. 



Eternal Father, in whose Hfe 
And by whose power and love we live, 
Whose inspiration quickeneth all. 
Thy Spirit to Thy servant give. 

Give him, with freedom, truth, and love, 
The earnest heart, the active hand, 
The soul to feel for others' woes, 
The will to do Thy blest command. 

May pastor, people, here to-day 
New vows of consecration make. 
New life receive, new work begin. 
New courage in Thy service take. 

Spirit of love and tenderness, 
Be peace within each bosom rife: 
Give light, and lead all hearts to know 
The wisdom of the perfect life. 



42 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



"LABOR OMNIA VINCIT" 

This Hymn was written for the Class of 1898, 

High School, Milford, N. H., at the graduation of 

Harold Allan Rich. 

Live for ideals bright, — 

Truth, service, love, and right, — 

Thy soul aflame: 
Go forth in wisdom still, 
Thy mission to fulfil, 
Obedient to God's will, — 

In His dear name. 

Make righteousness thy goal. 
Valiant and brave thy soul 

To meet life's foes: 
Live for humanity, 
The ages yet to be, 
The Truth that maketh free, 

Till Ufe shall close. 

To thy best thought be true, 
The perfect way pursue. 



HYMNS 43 



Our Master trod : 
God's kingdom is within; 
Labor doth all things win; 
Failing, thine own the sin, — 

Thy helper God. 

Thy life be consecrate 
To manhood and the State 

Forevermore : 
Thy voice be heard for peace, 
For war's alarm surcease, 
For righteous rule increase, 

God to adore. 

Christ's law of love be thine, 
Thy life a school divine, 

Held in sweet thrall; 
Thy God and Father, guide. 
Be ever near thy side; 
To Him thy soul confide, 

Whoblesseth all! 



44 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



BROOKFIELD HYMN 

Anniversary of the Unitarian Church, 
Brookfield, Mass., 1719-1899. 

We thank Thee, Lord, for this blest hour, 
Its memories sweet and ties of love. 

That touch our souls with wealth of dower, - 
One joy for all below, above. 

This vineyard, near two centuries old, 
Thy hand hath tilled with generous care; 

From smallness to a hundred-fold. 
Its harvests have grown rich and fair. 

Its aim hath been a quest for truth ; 

Its purpose, high humanity; 
Its spirit, breadth and depth, forsooth, 

To serve,— its bond that maketh free! 

Faith, hope, and love, rich heritage, — 

The gospel of the Nazarene, 
The same good news from age to age. 

For time and for the world unseen. 



HYMNS 45 



Guide Thou our steps until again 
We meet to celebrate Thy praise 

With grateful hearts and sweet refrain; 
Be with us, Father, all our days! 



46 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



ANNIVERSARY HYMN 

75th Anniversary, Village Church, 
Dorchester, Mass., 1904. 

Our fathers' God, whose wealth of love 
Enwraps the circling worlds as one, 

Look down upon us from above. 
As humble followers of Thy Son ; 

As heralds of a gospel free, 
Whose mission is to serve mankind, 

And bring the wide earth all to Thee, 
All hearts in truth and love to bind. 

We bless Thee that Thy fostering care, 
For annual rounds full seventy-five, 

Hath crowned with good this vineyard fair, 
Whose faith and hope and love survive. 

Be with us as in joy we meet, 
Our faith triumphant o'er our fears. 

Grateful thanksgivings to repeat, 
With courage strong for future years. 



HYMNS 47 



May hallowed memories of the past 
Kindle our souls with love anew, 

With deeds that time and death outlast, 
Fruits of religion's vision true. 

Fulfilled be Jesus' tender prayer, 
That all Thy children one shall be, — 

One in Thy truth and love to share. 
One heaven, one home, one family! 



48 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



LIBRARY DEDICATION HYMN 

Sung at the dedication of the Public Library, 
Dighton, Mass., August 4, 1911. 

God of our fathers, we, 
In soul and country free, 

Would praise thy name; 
From Thee our heritage, 
With brightly glowing page, 
Unchanged from age to age, 

Ever the same. 

Like to Jerusalem, 
Hill-tops our borders hem, — 

Symbol of strength; 
Our village this glad day, 
In verdure's bright array. 
Invites our hearts to pay 

Tributes at length. 

We thank Thee for the past. 
That here our lot was cast, 
In this fair town ; 



HYMNS 49 



For men of noble worth, 
The Church, the School, the Hearth, 
Religion's higher birth 
Our being's crown. 

May we thy wisdom know, 
And in it ever grow, 

In truth divine; 
Teach us life's finer art. 
In mind and soul and heart; 
Thyself, best gift, impart, 

Thy love enshrine! 



50 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

HYMN 

Sung at Anniversary of Children's Mission, Boston. 

Friends, once more we bid you welcome 

To this feast of grateful joy, 
In the name of our dear Master, 

In the work of love's employ. 
May our hearts be touched with pity, 

Filled with aspirations true, 
And the Spirit's tender brooding, 

Quickening all our hearts anew. 

Chorus:— 

Oh, how blessed is the service 

And reward of active love! 
Rich must be the golden harvest 

Of the summer land above. 

Now, we pray, oh, breathe upon us, 

Holy Spirit from on high; 
Fill us with diviner longings. 

Nor the prayer of trust deny. 
Teach us of the life immortal, 



HYMNS 51 



That we all may know Thy grace; 
Let it glow with light celestial, 
As it beamed from Jesus' face. 

Then, when heaven's gate shall open 

To that home, all bright and fair, 
And we meet in joy the dear ones 

Who have gone before us there, 
** Inasmuch as ye have done if — 

Will the words of blessing be 
'*Unto one of these my children. 

Ye have done it unto me/' 



52 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

HYMN 

Sunday School Anniversary. 

Welcome, welcome, fellow-workers 

In the vineyard of our Lord, 
To our yearly convocation, 

Bringing each some helping word; 
Welcome to the summer beauty 

And the time of throbbing life, 
With its ministries of gladness. 

With God's loving presence rife. 

Chorus:— 

Blessed is our task and burden, 

Scattering freely the good seed, 
Casting bread upon the waters 

For the near and future need. 

Give us light, heavenly Father, 
To interpret truth aright, 

Found in book and life and nature, — 
From above, oh, give us light. 

We will trust Thine inspiration, 
Precious boon of every age, 



HYMNS 53 



And truth's constant revelation 
To the heart of saint and sage. 

Help us teach the truth we cherish, 

With a bold and fearless mind, 
God's truth everywhere and ever. 

Leaving error far behind ; 
Much of love and consecration 

Will be needed for our task, 
And the Spirit's aid and presence 

May be ours if we ask. 

Most exalted is our mission, — 

Fashioning the human heart, 
Moulding spirit, not dull marble, 

Grace and beauty to impart. 
In bestowing good, we find it; 

In imparting, we are blest; 
Leading others to Life's fountain, 

We may find the promised rest. 



54 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



MEMORIAL HYMN 

Father, before we part, 
Help us with voice and heart 

To praise Thy name; 
Give to our souls true peace, 
To passion's sway surcease, 
Crown life with large increase 

Of love aflame. 

We bless Thee for that power 
Which guided each dark hour 

In days gone by; 
For loyal hearts, and brave. 
Who all things freely gave. 
Country and home to save 

From danger nigh. 

May angels guard the bed 
Of our heroic dead 
Forevermore; 
With Thee their spirits dwell. 
Who doeth all things well. 



HYMNS 55 



Whose goodness none can tell, 
Whom we adore. 

Bless Thou the widow's lot, 
With sacrifices fraught, 

We humbly pray; 
Shield orphans from all need. 
Their steps to plenty lead, 
Want's prayer for pity heed. 

Father, alway. 

Spirit of Peace and Love, 
Descend Thou from above. 

All nations bless; 
Make battle's cruel sound 
To cease the wide world round, 
Until Thy sons abound 

In righteousness! 



FRIENDS 



EDWARD EVERETT HALE 

On his Eighty-sixth Birthday, 

Hail, kindly, youthful friend! 'Tis thine 
To reach life's Indian summer days, 
Gladly to note their kind delays. 

Softening the chill of thy snow-line. 

The feathery flakes that on thee fall 
Are almond petals settling round 
With slightest touch and gentlest sound, — 

Youth's mantle and not age's pall. 

Our life and age not measured are 
By pulse-beats or by passing years, 
Nor yet by treasured joys or tears, 

But by love's truer calendar. 

The world's vast rondure is thy field; 
Thy influence pours its course along. 
Through kindling speech and book and song, 

In harvests of abundant vield. 



60 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

Thou seekest naught of worldly fame; 

Thou art a universal friend, 

To all sad hearts relief to lend, 
Thy brothers serving ''In His Name/' 

Thy noble mottoes, to ''Look up,'' 

"Forward," and "Out," to"Lendahand," 
To millions a divine command, 

With nectar have filled many a cup. 

With pity filled for others' woes, 
Low bent to lift the bowed and lost, 
Aside thine own great burdens tost, — 

For world-wide ills thy heart o'erflows. 

Simple in thought, just, true, and wise. 
Most gentle, kindly, and serene. 
With learning wide and thought still keen, 

Born is thy gospel of the skies. 

So molded by the Christian thought, 
Whose vital power is life's true wine. 
Most human, and thus most divine. 

Thy hands for God have nobly wrought. 



FRIENDS 61 



A NOBLE MINISTRY 

To Courtley Yardley De Normandie on his 
Eightieth Birthday. 

Hail, dearest brother, on thy natal day. 
With eighty years of splendid life complete! 

May light illume thy further untried way, 
Smoothed and made easy for thy weary feet. 

Most nobly hast thou wrought these fourscore 
years 
To make triumphant reason, truth, and 
right, 
By love's sweet thrall supplanting hurtful 
fears, 
Thine own strength greatened by the 
Spirit's might. 

Touched by love's chrism thy lips do joyful 
speak 

In chorus clear to children's children still. 
The sad to comfort, to make strong the weak, 

Fulfilling thus the gospel of Good Will. 



62 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

Tenderly hast thou preached the blessed word, 
And shaped full many souls to ends divine, 

Not least by impress from thyself conferred, 
Such power as holy messenger is thine. 

Thine earnest soul, enkindled to bright flame, 
Hath spoken truly with a prophet's tongue, 

Inspiring thoughts of purpose and of aim, — 
Of life's inviting gateway open flung. 

Like the Good Shepherd thou hast led thy 
flock 

By waters still and pastures rich and green, 
As under cooling shadow of a rock, 

From all ills guarded by the Power unseen. 

Deeper thy sympathy that thine own. heart 
Hath bled when shadows many have hung 
low; 

Thou knowest well how bitter is the smart, 
And how to soothe the pain of others' woe. 

Not to be served, — to serve thy highest task; 
For human weal to work, for God to live; 



FRIENDS 63 



For ease nor glory wouldst thou deign to ask, 
But simply, if need be, thyself to give. 

**The pure in heart,'' thy best beatitude; 

In Jesus' steps to walk, thy chosen way; 
Loving the True, the Beautiful, the Good, — 

Thy brow love-crowned with more than 
leaves of bay! 



64 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

FROM THE HEIGHTS 

A MEDITATION 

Inscribed to Mrs. Hannah McGinnis 

on the Ninety-sixth Anniversary of her Birth, 

August 23, 1914. 

Some speak of age as going down: 

I feel that it is climbing up, 
To take upon my head the crown 

And drink of life's o'erflowing cup. 

As higher up the way I tread, 

More peacefully I journey on; 
I feel my footsteps gently led; 

My fears, long fading, now are gone. 

I learn to leave all ill behind; 

I love to look for good before; 
I keep a calm and placid mind. 

And trust God's guidance more and more. 

From far-off springtime's flowery way, 
Through summer's glow of bud and bloom, 



FRIENDS 65 



There comes the fragrance of the May 
To glorify November's gloom. 

In peace I walk the autumn way, 
Mid golden sheaves of ripened grain, 

Prepared to meet the wintry day 
And all it has of chill and pain. 

Beyond the slope I fear no ill, 
And only joy can fill my breast 

The day I stand on Pisgah's Hill 
And view the promised land of rest. 

Sometimes I ask why God should spare 
My withered life so long, so long, 

And make my waning days His care 
And hold me with an arm so strong. 

I am not as I fain would be, 
To others' feet a beacon light 

Whose rays illume Eternity, — 
A pole-star shining through the night. 



66 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

And yet no fault I find with life: 
The world to me is only good, 

For hardships are with blessings rife, 
And glow with light when understood. 

True, I have sorrowed for my dead, 
Whose noble lives still comfort me: 

One for his country gladly bled 
Beneath the flag that makes men free; 

And one, v/ith consecrated soul, 
Was led by light of Learning's flame. 

Oh, fair and far the shining goal; 
But, lo! the call of Heaven came. 

My home is with my children dear: 
They give me love and care each day; 

And God is good and always near, 
And to my Saviour I can pray. 

I think of Mother Mary, too. 
With her beseeching, tender smile, 

Whose Holy Son from childhood grew 
To spotless manhood without guile. 



FRIENDS 67 



All's for the best, since God doth reign, 
Whose right it is, and He is good: 

All life must lead to certain gain, 
With Faith, Hope, Love, our daily food. 



SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 
THE PURE IN HEART 

In Memory of Josiah Webster Pillsbury. 

A BLAMELESS man in word and thought, 

In act as truly kind and just, 
The gentle with the strong inwrought, 

Divine thy living as thy trust. 

In wealth of character secure, 
Nothing could work thee ill in life 

Or death, —peace dwelleth with the pure, 
And with the faithful blessings rife. 

Right-doing was thy radiant creed, — 
To love thy God, thy fellow-man; 

The naked clothe, the hungry feed, 
Kindly thy brother's life to scan. 

Thou wroughtest well in freedom's cause; 

Courageous thy prophetic soul. 
Led on for Heaven's higher laws, 

With broken chains thy shining goal 



FRIENDS 69 



At fourscore three there came God's peace; 

The heart-throbs and the pulse grew still; 
The fettered soul had now release, 

Life's larger purpose to fulfil. 

How peaceful lies our noble friend ! 

And why should we who loved him weep, 
Or doubt His watch-care to the end, 

"Who giveth His beloved sleep"? 

God's angels touched him, and he woke 
To see and know as he was known; 

To list sweet music as it broke, 
To reap the harvests he had sown. 

Farewell, my brother, sweet adieu, 
Till we in heaven shall meet again 

Our love and friendship to renew, — 
Our transient loss, eternal gain! 



70 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

THEODORE DWIGHT WELD 

On his Eightieth Birthday. 

Hail, noble soul, with age and friendship 

crowned! 
Youth sweetly lingers as the years go round ; 
Thy strenuous life and golden westward way 
Have been one rich, abundant harvest day. 
For Truth and Freedom thou hast ever stood, 
And sought for human kind one Brotherhood ; 
A lion^s courage with a woman *s heart,— 
By love to conquer is thy matchless art. 
Thy gracious presence and thy beaming face 
Have been the power to mold to finer grace; 
Thy charity, embracing as the sky, 
Includes all creatures in its purpose high. 
May all our lives transfigured be as thine. 
And with such glow of goodness ever shine! 



FRIENDS 71 



ELIZABETH 

A MOTHER'S TALK TO HER BABY 
To Mrs. W. P. D. 

SWEET first-born, Elizabeth! 

A note of joy each wee bit breath, — 
Thy cry, it seems almost divine, 
wondrous creature, baby mine! 

Each pain a witching dimple brings; 
And, watching thee, my own heart sings! 

1 love to see thy angel face, 
Such beauty in it I can trace. 

Thy ruby form, so velvety; 

Thy soul, such tender mystery! 
''A little child, ^' He said, "shall lead,'' 

Hence I must all my footsteps heed; 

My very thoughts must shape for thee, 
That thou shouldst also learn from me. 

May sunlight on thy pathway fall, — 
The light of love's divinest thrall! 



72 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

Thou earnest, dear one, from the skies; 

Two stars of heaven's own hght, thine 
eyes! 
Thou art, of hope, fulfilment, peace; 

Of sorrows, every one, surcease. 

Thou art my hearth's dear altar, where 
I find in thee my daily prayer; 

Divinest soul in God's world, thou; 
To thee, in worship, I will bow. 

Thou cam'st to us with spring's sweet 
flowers, 

To fill with joy thy mother's hours. 
To make home's earthly Eden true 

For me, Elizabeth, and dearest you! 



FRIENDS 73 



''THINK WELL OF ME'* 

In Memoriam F. E. B. 

** Things are not as they were: the light grows 

dim! 
I try in vain my flickering lamp to trim: 
It served me once, and I could plainly see 
The vv^ay kind nature pointed out to me. 
For me came gracious sunshine all the day; 
Then hovered shadows o'er my halting way. 
I was not wholly happy, and my life 
Began to know the ills of inner strife. 
Once more fell clouds as dark as deepest night, 
With scarce one glimmer of benignant light. 
*0 God,' I cried, 'tell me the way to go! 
My reason fails, and Thou the rest doth know! ' 

"Think well of me; and, when my name you 

speak, 
Say of me, I was foolish, rash, and weak; 
Deplore my inability to rise, 
And gain success or win ambition's prize. 



74 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

But think no ill that means a wrong intent, 
Or that to evil ways my life was lent. 
Perhaps I have no right myself to ope 
The gateway leading to the land of Hope, 
To quench the flame lit by the hand divine. 
Or haste to make the life immortal mine! 
Sweet ties there were that bound my falter- 
ing heart, — 
From sisters dear and home-ties hard to part. 
I loved my friends, and they to me were kind : 
Hedged was my way by some strange ills 

combined. 
Too proud was I to make my sorrows known; 
None knew what frightful gales were round 
me blown. 

"Think well of me. My soul and Heaven 

know 
What were the steps that m.arked my over- 
throw. 
If I have erred, —and err, all sometimes do, ~ 
I strove to keep ideals high in view; 
111 circumstance, not baseness, drew me on 
To still the pangs that pressed my soul anon. 



FRIENDS 75 



So deep my grief, my brain refused its sway, 
And from the present ills I forced my way! 

** Think well of me: I do not fear to meet 
My Maker, God, who fills His mercy-seat; 
His erring child He will not coldly spurn; 
Nor can He quench the healing fires that burn, 
Whose work complete will be to purify, 
And bring sweet peace and nobler purpose 

nigh. 
I thank Him, even in my deep despair. 
That I can never drift beyond His care! 
That He will turn my footsteps to the right, 
And safely hold me by His tender might. 

''Think well of me: let charity abide. 
Whatever woes my own sad soul betide! 
0, could you know how sweeps my bark about. 
Within my souFs dread night, you could not 

doubt 
That pity I deserved, if, in my place 
The weary way I walked, your feet could 

trace! '^ 



76 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

We will think well of you, whose tender care 
Watched beds of sickness and would never 

spare 
Love's choicest gifts for others' help and weal, 
Whose kind ways carried strength and love 

to heal. 
Farewell, dear boy! we would not dare, in 

thought, 
The curtain lift to learn what death hath 

wrought, 
Since 'tis not man's privilege here to know 
The secrets even of this world below; 
But, as sweet sunshine gilds the v/aning night, 
The soul is crowned at last by heaven's pure 

light. 
There is for all a better, brighter day, 
God's love, alembic, melts all sin away! 

We will think well of you, as well we can, 
And any faults you had with tender pity scan. 
Who knoweth what temptations may be ours. 
What inward struggle over goodness lowers? 
Or by some careless step, or wayward deed. 
Smothered within the troubled soul might feed, 



FRIENDS 77 



And make life seem not worth the living more, 
Death being welcome with its open door! 

Farewell! good-by, thou tender, timid heart; 
From you a host of friends were loath to part. 
Heaven give you quiet, rest, and peaceful 

sleep; 
Angels of love their gracious vigils keep! 
Some day the light will break, the mists will 

clear, 
The welcome port, the city fair, anear: 
If sinks your ship, *tis not forevermore. 
But, sinking, touches a diviner shore! 



78 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



LILY 

To L. S. T. 

My dear, fourteen to-day, the Muses should 
Assist me sing thy dawning womanhood ; 
And see! they stand, the Nine renowned of 

yore, 
Like angels pointing to Life's open door. 
They join me when your virtues I declare; 
They join me when I pray the way be fair; 
And so to-day they join me in good cheer 
And hail thy presence which is always dear. 
We pray that days of sunshine may endure 
For one whose name means what is fair and 

pure. 



FRIENDS 79 



A CHILD'S CONSECRATION 

To A. M. C. 

Unconscious of this sacred rite, 
Mid blossoms of an autumn day, 

Thy future as thy past be bright 
With hope to cheer thee on thy way. 

These drops of water on thy brow 
Are symbol of the pure in heart: 

Forever be thy life as now, 
Spotless and blessed as thou art. 

Child of delight with features fair. 
With health and promise in thy face. 

Life's joys be thine, its burdens bear, 
Its duties with good cheer embrace. 

From childhood up to manhood climb, 
Increase in virtue's virile charm, 

As move the circling wheels of time. 
And meet life's ills without alarm. 



80 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

Dear precious heart, a teacher be 
To meet for age its urgent need, 

Since, where its wisdom may not see, 
'Tis said, a little child shall lead. 

Thou gift of God, sweet babe divine, 
Angel of light sent from above. 

Thy beauty on our hearts doth shine. 
Enkindling purity and love. 

We welcome thee this happy morn. 
As spotless as the dear Christ-child, 

Type of the pure in heart, new-born, 
And by no evil snare beguiled. 

Like thee, may we be innocent. 
Sweet, tender, trusting, full of joy; 

And, with our life and lot content. 
Share blessedness without alloy. 



Dear child, we dedicate thee now, 
With drops of water crystal, pure, 

To the dear God, to whom we bow. 
Whose guidance and whose love are sure! 



FRIENDS 81 



REV. CHARLES WHITTIER 

A MEDITATION 

On the Anniversary of his Silver Wedding. 

Endearing memories cluster round me now, 
As I the past review, and think of those. 
The good and true, who lie in death's repose, 
The victor's wreath perennial on their brow, 
How many for life's journey I have wed 
Whose walk has been one cheery song of joy. 
With home and love no shadows can destroy. 
Since ours forever are our sacred dead. 

I think of children on whose tender face 
My hand the consecrating drops let fall, — 
Parent and child to bind in holiest thrall. 
Where earthly and the heavenly love embrace; 
But children now no more, away or here, — 
Some dwelling on the other shining shore, 
Possessed of that fair country's richer store. 
But none are lost: they all are near and dear. 

Your homes have changed; the village still 
is fair; 



82 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

The young have come, the old have passed 

away; 
But love and goodness cannot know decay! 
God is the same, and sunshine fills the air. 
As bits of glass, kaleidoscopic seen, 
Rare beauties in their changing light appear, 
The panorama of the past, with tear 
And smile, comes, blended, back in joy serene. 

How much you have forgiven! how much have 

done 
My lot to bless, my burdens oft to bear! — 
As I your sorrows all have tried to share. 
And each the other's confidence hath won. 
God's truth Pve purposed simply to proclaim, 
And faithful stand on Zion's holy hill. 
Content alone to preach the heavenly will,— 
Love's message, in the Master's precious name. 

With you, my wife, a quarter-century Pve 

been: 
Our silver wedding, by my love, seems gold, 
And early courtship, to this hour, is cold. 
We e'er may woo, while only once we win! 



FRIENDS 83 



And now so long as bridegroom, bride, we 

live, 
Lx)ve shall enwrap us with its silken bands, 
And work for man employ our heart and 

hands. 
Well knowing God His blessing waits to give. 
Thus shall we make the heavenly kingdom 

come, 
Thus sow the seeds, and precious harvests 

reap, — 
The husbandman his promises will keep. 



My brother, on this glad and festive day, 
Accept my word, in this my humble lay. 
Penned by your friend three hundred miles 

away, 
In which your noble wife and children fair 
In equal warmth and ample measure share. 
May the good Shepherd make you all His care. 
Which should be proudest, village, guest, or 

host. 
Or which congratulate the other most, 
Be my adieu, my compliments and toast. 



ON VARIED THEMES 



THE BROADER FAITH 

The broader faith is not, I ween, 
Neglect of doctrine good and true, 

Nor lack of faith in things unseen, 
Nor trust alone in old or new. 

It is not saying yes or no 
Of God or Christ or Book divine. 

Nor yet to church which way we go. 
Nor creed our hands consent to sign. 

'Tis not confounding good with ill; 

'Tis not condemning God or man, 
The human or the heavenly will, 

Our brethren in the rear or van. 

It is not in the outward deed, 
The letter, or the reason cold, 

Which cannot meet the souFs deep need, 
Nor Christly life within it mold. 



SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



Must not the broader faith e'er be, 
Whatever our ritual, creed, or name, 

A life from self and sin set free, 
A heart with love to all aflame? 

A walking in the narrow way, 
Contending with our passions strong, 

A struggling toward the brighter day. 
With God's dear love our pilgrim-song? 



ON VARIED THEMES 89 



JAMES MARTINEAU 

Great thinker thou, philosopher and man, 
Leader of leaders, who, with brighter blade 

Of conquering spirit, keepest in the van, 
Reason and freedom by thy side to aid. 

Of intellect thy primacy, not state. 
Emancipator of imprisoned mind! 

In thought untrammelled thou art Nestor great; 
Truth is authority for all thy kind. 

Eternal standards thou hast planted high, 
And battling realms to one grand empire 
brought. 

Pure ethics one with immortality, — 
So runs the tenor of thy noble thought. 

The wide horizon of thy ample mind 

Embraceth men of shores both far and near; 

All interests that concern the human kind 
Have claim on thee, and own thy thought 



smcere 



90 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



A SHORE REVERIE 

EVER restless, heaving sea, 
Symbol of God's eternity, 

Whose breath thy freshening breezes be, 
Whose heart-throbs in thy tide we see, — 
We hear thy surf -beats on the shore, 
As echo of some voice of yore. 
Some music we have heard before, 
Borne from the land of Evermore! 
Upon the sunlit shore I dream, 
And watch the distant sails agleam: 

1 hear the surf's unceasing moan, 

But from my soul the shades have flown ; 
For how can there be doubt or fear 
To one who feels God's presence near? 
Him I can trust, in Him confide, 
Who ruleth wind and storm and tide. 



ON VARIED THEMES 91 

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES 

Eighty-second Anniversary of his Birthday. 

Thou still art prophet of the soul, 
The Truth thy wisdom and thy goal; 
Enlightener of the human mind, 
Thy thoughts are guidance for the blind. 
Thy mission is the healing art, 
And yet into sham's vital part 
There fly the lances of thy wit, 
Careless what pangs may come of it. 

Thy wisdom pours its course along. 

In noble speech and sparkling song, — 

Thousands amused and charmed thereat, 

Professor, Poet, Autocrat! 

Thy Guardian Angel still is near, 

And tender memories draw a tear; 

' ' The Boys ' ' of yore we seem to know, 

With cheering thoughts of ' ' Bill " and " Joe. ' ' 

We wish thee many birthdays yet, 
And not the glow of thy sunset; 



92 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

Old age by thee is glorified, 

Borne gently o'er life's hastening tide; 

Thou liftest us to kindlier thought, 

By Faith and Hope and Love inwrought! 



ON VARIED THEMES 93 



A WAIF ON THE WAVE 

Long leagues from land a stranger came, 
A little waif in dire distress, 
That would have perished soon unless 

Our ship had caught its tired frame. 

It was a land -bird far at sea, 
Beguiled by witching winds, and fair, 
Or forced by furious tempests there, 

While struggling vainly to be free. 

Rough sailors to the rescue ran, 
And pity filled a hundred eyes 
The while it uttered plaintive cries, — 

So tender is the heart of man. 

At last it flew into my hand : 

I held it to my own warm breast, 
And gave it food and drink and rest, — 

This waif from off the distant land. 

And, as we reached the welcome shore, 
I gave the sweet bird to the breeze: 
It flew and sang among the trees. 



94 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

As blithe as it had done before. 

And thus, I thought, on many a soul 
Lured by the pleasures of the world 
Or by temptations rudely hurled. 

Lost and alone, deep sorrows roll. 

Thus God to weary souls doth give 
To all the promise of His love, 
Whose pity doth for lost ones move 

And make the dead in sin to live. 

And He would teach us charity. 

Since knowing not what adverse power 
Has lured one in the evil hour, 

And swept him out life's treacherous sea. 

Forward our ship of life sails on. 
And Love stands firmly at the helm, 
Faith pointing to the better realm, 

Hope's anchor firm to rest upon. 

And when at last the port we reach. 
Eternal peace and joy to know. 
No more on stormy seas to go, 

Our wanderings shall wisdom teach! 



ON VARIED THEMES 95 

Perhaps He meant we all should lend 
A hand to bring the wanderer in 
And lead a brother out of sin, 

The helpless aid, the weak defend. 

But God's good ship of love shall find 
And bring the tired spirit home, 
No more astray in sin to roam. 

But guided by the better mind. 



96 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

DEATH MADE BEAUTIFUL 

A MEDITATION 

A BATTERED, falling house I seem, 
Each passing hour a waking dream; 
And, though this house be frail and thin, 
The cracks but let the sunshine in. 
I toss upon my bed at night, 
Eager to meet the morning light, 
Watching the first gray streak of dawn. 
As signal that the night is gone. 

But e^en the night-watch brings me gain: 
Its peace insures surcease of pain. 
While on my bed I meditate, 
A vision comes of heaven's gate. 
I may have had of earth my share, 
And God is round me everywhere. 
Although rd longer like to live, 
I'll drink the cup God wills to give. 

As frailer grows my sinking frame, 
My spirit glows with faith aflame. 



ON VARIED THEMES 97 

And, as I near the better land, 
More radiant is it where I stand. 
So long as mercy crowns my days, 
His name and goodness I will praise. 
Long have I trusted, hoped, and prayed: 
Death cannot make my soul afraid. 

When brought to my extremest need, 
His voice will cheer. His hand will lead. 
I cannot have a better guide, — 
The dear God ever by my side. 
I hear the boatman ply his oar; 
Death, smiling, opens wide the door; 
Sweet, heavenly music sounds anear. 
And bids my trembling soul good cheer! 

A true awakening it will be. 
Since eyes will wider, truer, see. 
And mind and heart will clearer know. 
Than in the night of life below. 
Farewell! I shall be with you all, — 
Love holding heart in sweet enthrall. 
The valley is not dark, but bright, 
As life immortal comes to light! 



98 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



ON RECEIVING LILIES OF THE VALLEY 

SwHhJT-SCKNTEU tlowers, 1 luve you vveJi: 
I luve you for the love you tell, 

I love you for the giver's sake, 
And all the joy of heart you make. 

Dear lilies of the Holy Land! 

Thy lesson love can understand; 
'Tis such as these that Jesus knew, 

Whose life was pure, whose words were 
true. 

May we His life of goodness know, 
And in His wisdom daily grow; 

Like Him, in service be divine. 
And in His robes of beauty shine! 



ON VARIED THEMES 99 

THE UNSELFISH ROBIN 

A TRUE STORY 
To R. B. Forbes, Milton, 

It was a mansion old and fair 
That faced the sea, in garb of vines; 

Smooth lawns and fragrant blooms were there, 
Wide-spreading elms and pointed pines. 

The aged sire with whitened locks 

Was full of sympathy for all 
God^s creatures in their herds and flocks, 

And lived with them in happy thrall. 

One day, in early spring, he heard 

A robin sing her matin song; 
He knew the errand of the bird 

That piped and twittered loud and long. 

She came again, another day, 
With moss and twigs and clay to build 

The little nest where she should lay 
The eggs that Nature's God had willed. 



100 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

When tender fledglings filled the nest, 
The mother brought them worms for food, 

Until one day she spied a guest, 
A stranger bird that did intrude. 

They watched each other; friendship grew. 

The mocking-bird with notes so shrill 
Would greet the robin when she flew 

The hungry mouths with food to fill. 

Then, after feeding well her young, 

The robin often listened long, 
Until the mocking-bird had flung 

Afar the bounty of her song. 

One day the robin seemed in haste; 

And when she brought the worms to feed 
The little fledglings, taste by taste, 

She flew to meet her neighbor's need. 

With food she lighted on the cage. 
Looked down to meet an open bill. 

Looked up as wise as any sage, 
That she her neighbor's need could fill. 



ON VARIED THEMES 101 

Not once, but often was the act; 

And proud the robin of her trust 
That she could give to one who lacked 

Abundant cheer of worm and crust. 

robin, thou shalt build thy nest 

Another year in fir or pine, 
And meet again thy southern guest, 

With luscious worm as countersign. 

Good lesson thou hast taught us, dear, ~ 
For ours alone we must not live; 

For others we may shed a tear; 
To others of our bounty give, 

That none should alien to us be 

Whom we may bless, by whom be blest; 
That love as sunshine should be free; 

That want may be outside our nest. 

Sing, love; live on in earth's fair clime,— 
Dear fellow-comrade of the skies; 

Thy sweet notes may not end with time, 
But share the bliss of paradise! 



102 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 



MY EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY 

Every year seems shorter, shorter, 
As the sun of life climbs higher, 

And the pulse is throbbing slower, — 
Embers now where once was fire. 

Age may counterfeit the youth-time, 
Yet its antics are but grim 

When the waters in the fountain 
Sink below the golden brim. 

When we get anear the snow-line, 
Though we find that frosts increase, 

Still we know the calm contentment 
Of the blessed Plains of Peace. 

Time has taught us many lessons; 

It has shown the way to Truth, 
And we see with clearer vision 

Than in days of fevered youth. 



ON VARIED THEMES 103 

On the weaknesses of others 
Wise age looks with kindlier eye, — 

Cheeks the word that would be bitter, 
Puts the thought impatient by. 

Though the years bring crown of silver, 

Veins flow redly as of yore; 
Faith and Hope and Love grow stronger 

Through the years and evermore. 

Youth sits smiling in my feelings, 
And the world is bright and glad; 

In my heart I carry sunshine, 
Naught can cherish dark or sad. 

Home and wife and children blessed 

God has given for my joy. 
And my cup overflows with pleasure; 

In my gold is no alloy. 

I have longings, aspirations, 
For the pure and perfect hfe; 

I would help mankind to goodness; 
I would free the world from strife. 



104 SUNSHINE AND SHADOW 

I would end my days in service, 
Make the world for all more bright, 

Comfort those who weep in sorrow, 
Take to those in darkness light. 

So to seventy-nine a farewell! 

It has brought more joy than tears: 
Welcome to the coming eighty, 

And the wealth of many years! 



Four hundred and fifty copies of this 
hook of poems by A. Judson Rich have 
been printed for his friends in the year 
of our Lord nineteen hundred and six- 
teen. 

This copy is number 



HK248-78 



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